“Jack lay on the ground with her until the paramedics arrived and remained with her until she was airlifted away.

“She never regained consciousness.

“Seven days after the collision her life support was turned off and she succumbed to her injuries.

“The day she died part of each and every one of us died, this includes her friends and all who knew her.”

Marriner, 41, of Frederick Street, South Hetton, who has no previous convictions and an exemplary driving record, admitted causing death by careless driving.

The court heard he was not speeding or driving in an unsafe manner when he hit Mrs Gray, he simply did not see her in time, and had assumed she would stop to let him drive past.

He was sentenced to a 12-month community order with 210 hours’ unpaid work, a 12-month driving ban and ordered to pay £2,000 costs.

Judge Paul Sloan told Marriner, who appeared to be fighting back tears: “You should have seen Mrs Gray waiting to cross the road and been alert to the risk that she would do so, but you failed to see her.

“When you did, at a later stage, you failed to brake or take avoiding action, simply assuming she would stop.

“It is clear from all the letters and reports that essentially you are a good man.

“The incident has had a profound effect upon you as well, it represents a personal tragedy for you as well.”

The judge said Mrs Gray’s death has had a devastating effect on her family.

Judge Sloan added: “No sentence I can pass could ever serve to ease the pain which her family has suffered and will continue to suffer.”

Peter Walsh, defending, said Marriner’s remorse is obvious to those who know him and he is of previous “exemplary” character.

Marriner had his partner as pillion passenger when the smash happened and they were both thrown from his bike.

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